A STUNNING START
Barcelona have made a promising start to the season and it has much to do with Lionel Messi’s superlative form and incoming coach Ernesto Valverde’s tactical play. HT breaks down what has worked for the Catalans so far:
RETURN OF THE ‘FALSE 9’
Unlike the outgoing Luis Enrique, Valverde has chosen to play Messi in the ‘False 9’ position, just behind the striker. This is a role the No 10 had grown accustomed to in the Pep Guardiloa-era where he won five Ballon D'or awards among numerous titles. The change has granted the Argentinian the freedom to run at defenders and enhanced his role as a creator. Not only does this allow Messi more time on the ball but also draws in opposing defenders to him, thus freeing up players on the wings. The stats clearly reflect the change in set-up with Messi having scored 12 of Barcelona’s 21 goals in eight games this term. And almost all of them have been struck from a central position.
SHREWD VALVERDE
After the loss of Neymary and Real Madrid’s M thrashing of Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, the atmosphere in Barcelona was desolate. But Ernesto Valverde (in pic) has brought back stability and a fighting spirit into the dressing room.
This is clearly reflected by the team’s incessant pressing after losing possession. Andres Iniesta looks revitalised and at his best. Jordi Alba has also been excellent under Valverde with three assists to his name.
Valverde’s clever signings, gg, in the form of Paulinho and Nelson Semedo and his decision not to sell players have put Barcelona in a steady position to compete year round.
Valverde has also chosen to
field players in their preferred positions instead of experimenting. Aleix Vidal for example was brought on to the right wing against Eibar on Tuesday night, a position in which he excelled while at Sevilla. The night ended with Vidal assisting Messi’s final goal. Paulinho, too, has been allowed to act as a box to box midfielder instead of restricting him to a defensive role; the Brazilian has scored two goals in two games.
WELCOME ADDITIONS
Since Dani Alves’ departure in 2015, the Blaugrana did not have a permanent right-back and Semedo’s arrival finally resolves the issue. The full-back's pace gives the team the freedom to push forward knowing well that he alongside Jordi Alba are
capable of covering space as seen against Juventus.
Not everyone was convinced about Paulinho‘s (in pic) signing but he has proven the critics’ wrong. He scored two different types of goals, a solid strike from the side and a header — spotlighting his strength. Barcelona have lacked a physical presence in the middle of the park and Paulinho is Valverde’s answer.